In early schooling, students spend the majority of their time in one of two places. Students can either be found in the classroom, or on the playground. In the classroom we were taught how to add, subtract, read, write, and do Latis Method multiplication (which to this day I still don’t understand). On the playground, we have recess, where we’re free to play and create whatever world or games we like. As we grow older though, something tragic happens. The playground slowly disappears. We don’t really play on jungle gyms anymore in junior high, and there is no recess in high school, only study hall. By the time we get to college, the most creative thing we can think of to do outside of class is get drunk or play Frisbee. As we advance through the school, the playground disappears and the classroom takes complete control. This is dangerous because once we’re out of school, it’s time to get a job. Ever wonder why the majority of office spaces in America look more like classrooms than playgrounds? Ever wonder why most employees act more like students than imaginative creators? Perhaps because the playground, the garden of imagination, is taken away from us at such a young age. If we want to get creative, we have to stop viewing our office or workspace like a classroom and start viewing it as a playground. If you’re a manager, or anyone in a role of leadership, it is your responsibility to create this atmosphere. We do this by rewarding things like risk taking and out of the box ideas, even when they don’t work. It’s not about working, it’s about trying. It’s not about being right, it’s about being new and unique. There is no right answer on the playground, there is only, “who has a new game for us to try?” Creatives take the knowledge they learn in the classroom and use it on the playground. It’s time for some recess.

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So very true. I miss recess. For the past 11 years at this company I work, I've been stuck behind a desk 8-9 hours a day. Then class after work recently. I feel like I never see the sun! My dream back when I was young was to work for Disney Imagineers or Google! They have the best working environment. Oh and Pixar!
I wonder if we can petition to pass a bill for bringing back recess? :-) or at least nap time!

Reply

jon

3/5/2014 10:18:24

A sense of play and experimentation is paramount to developing vital creativity. Companies like Google and Pixar cultivate these types of environments to work in. It's no coincidence then that they are considered so innovative and successful. I do think it's something we have the power to change. Keep spreading the word. Thanks for your comment!

Reply

Lori

3/6/2014 05:33:37

It is true, we could all use a little more "recess" in our lives. The best example of this I can think of is the Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle. It was just a regular fish market, not a glamorous, fun or exciting place to be, until somebody got the idea that it could be fun. There are videos and even a book on transforming the culture of your workplace based on the "fish" philosophy. Productivity actually goes up when people are having fun and bringing positive energy. Keep writing these post Jon, I love them. On a side note, your "You are Awesome" videos totally changed my life, I cannot thank you enough . The right words, in the right medium, and the right time-trifecta.

Reply

jon

3/7/2014 06:15:13

Once again, Lori, adding such great commentary. I LOVE when readers engage in the posts and we can have discussions like this. You always bring up such great points. I'd love to do more reading on the "fish" philosophy. Is there any material out there on it? Let me know!

Reply

Lori

3/7/2014 11:10:35

Here is a link to the official site: http://www.catchthefishphilosophy.com/fish_video.htm
but I also think you can google fish! or fish philosophy and see what comes up. It all revolves around 4 basic steps-play, make their day, be there, and choose your attitude. I'm curious to know your thoughts...Have a beautiful weekend :-)